How To Use Your Dog’s Favorite Reinforcements To Fix Unwanted Inadvertent Behaviors #257
Feb 2, 2024
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Learn how to use your dog's favorite reinforcements to fix unwanted behaviors. Discover the power of unintentional reinforcement, the role of games in training, and the effectiveness of reinforcement-based dog training. Understand the three ways dogs get educated and how to triage your dog's behavior. Susan Garrett emphasizes the importance of awareness and offers practical tips for addressing unwanted behaviors. She also addresses misconceptions about reinforcement-based training and offers a discount for a training program.
Being aware of unintentional reinforcements is crucial in fixing unwanted dog behaviors.
Reinforcement-based training is effective in addressing problematic behaviors and building a positive relationship with dogs.
Deep dives
Awareness of Reinforcements for Unwanted Behavior
The podcast episode highlights the importance of being aware of the reinforcements we provide to our dogs' unwanted behavior. The speaker shares a story about a dog owner who unintentionally reinforced her dog's barking behavior by giving it a tennis ball to stop the barking. This example emphasizes the need to recognize and understand the reinforcements we are unintentionally providing to our dogs. By becoming aware of the foods, toys, permissions, access, and attention that reinforces our dogs, we can work towards fixing their unwanted behavior.
The Power of Intentional Reinforcement and Skills Training
The episode discusses the three ways dogs are educated. The first is through intentional reinforcement, where owners focus on building skills and relationships using high-value rewards. The second is training triage, which involves stopping the reinforcement and addressing unexpected behaviors in the moment. Lastly, unconscious or unintentional reinforcements that dogs receive from their environment are discussed. The speaker emphasizes that intentional reinforcement through skill training and relationship-building can minimize the need for training triage and diminish unwanted behaviors.
The Effectiveness of Reinforcement-Based Dog Training
The podcast advocates for reinforcement-based dog training, highlighting its effectiveness when done properly. The speaker dispels the misconception that reinforcement-based training fails to address problematic behaviors, and instead shows how it can create a better relationship with dogs. They caution against using punishment as a solution, as it can lead to fear and shut down the dog's natural behavior. The speaker encourages listeners to explore the extensive resources available, including online courses, games, and the Recolores program, which offers a discount to listeners. They emphasize the significance of understanding what reinforces dogs and intentionally reinforcing them to build a positive and alternate life for them.
Have you ever wondered how to fix your dog’s unwanted behavior when you want to train with positive reinforcement? In episode 256, I covered the magic question, "What was that cookie for?" that helps us all understand how we may be contributing to the behaviors of our dogs that we want to change. So, I’m following up with my top tips on turning things around. The very good news is that the formula I use to get everything back on track is easy to apply to any inadvertent behavior problem you'd like to change.
In this episode you’ll hear:
• How unintentional reinforcement contributes to unwanted behaviors. • Why our awareness is the start of fixing unwanted behaviors. • That permission, access and what your dog loves are powerful reinforcements. • Real life examples showing what the cookie was for! • Why to check with your Vet before assuming a behavioral problem. • Three ways dogs get educated. • How using the ‘Training Triage’ keeps dogs safe and what to do next. • The formula for triaging your dog's behavior. • The effectiveness of games in dog training. • The role of play in speeding up the learning process. • Challenges associated with low intentional learning and high unintentional reinforcement. • Addressing the belief that reinforcement-based training doesn't work. • How to join Recallers at a discounted rate.
Recallers: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line “FUD/ Fun University for Dogs” for a very special opportunity to join us in Recallers.